Means for supporting and adjusting rotary devices.



J. F. & H. E. DODGE.

MEANS FOR SUPPORTING AND ADJUSTING ROTARY DEVICES.

APPLICATION FILED DEC.2I, I914- |||l ll lllll c/u weqssew 152 M I a. r w rzraus J. F. & H E; DODGE.

MEANS FOR SUPPORTING AND ADJUSTING ROTARY DEVICES APPLICATION FILED DEC. 21, 1914. L ma ma Patented Mar. 7,1916.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2- 1. F. &H. a. DODGE.

MEANS FOR SUPPORHNG AND ADJUSTING ROTARY DEVICES. APPLICATION FILED m. 21, 1914. Ll'fififila Patemed Mar. Z, 1916.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3- awivrs a? fwneryd.

no STATES ATENT oFFIon.

JOHN F. DODGE, OF DETROIT, AND HORACE 13:. pence, orenossnro-m'rn, MICHIGAN,

ASSIGNORS TO DODGE BROTHERS, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN, A CORPORATION OF MICHIGAN.

means non sorron'rme Specification of Letters Patent.

AND ADJUSTING ROTARY DEVICES Patented Mar. '7, 1916.

Application filed December 21, 1914. Serial No. 878,400.

To all whom it may concern: I

Be it known that we, JOHN F. Donen and HORACE E. Donon, citizens of the United States, residing at Detroit, Michigan, and Grosse Pointe, Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Means for Supporting and Adjusting Rotary Devices, of which the following is a clear, full, and exact description.

This invention relates to means for supporting and adjusting rotary devices, such as starters and generators which are used in automobiles for well known purposes.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide means for adjusting the sprocket chain between the engine shaft and the shaft of the motor, such as a starter and generator, without requiring the use of an idler,

Another object of the invention is to provide'lin such connection means for preclud- "ing -the possibility of oil leakage from the gear compartment.

Another object of the lnvention is to dispense with the necessity of couplings or uniadjustment for the purpose of tightening a chain.

These being among the objects of the present invention the same consists of certain features of construction and combinations of parts to be hereinafter described and then claimed with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating'one embodiment of the invention and in which- Figure 1 is a side elevation of a casing for the motor and gearing, with the supporting and adjusting means for an electric starter and generator associated therewith as in the present invention; Fig. 2 is a transverse section on the line 2-2 Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a section in detail on the line 3--3 Fig. 2 partly in elevation; Fig. 4 is a detail view of a rotatable adjusting member in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 5 is an end view partly in section showing a supplementary or additional support for the starter and generator; and Figs. 6. 7 and 8 are detail views of parts shown in Fig. 5.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 2, the caslng 10 for the motor and gearing has ournaled therein the engine shaft 11 provided with a sprocket wheel 12 over which runs a sprocket chain 13 which also runs over a sprocket wheel 14 on the end of the shaft 15 of the electric starter and generator 16 which is taken as an illustration of a rotary device to which the present invention may be applied. The casing 10 is provided with an outwardly extendingwall at 17 havlng a circular opening 18, and which provides a supporting part for an annular member or ring 19, the peripheral surface 18 of which bears on the wall of the open-v ing 18. See Figs. 3 and 4. Said annular niembe'r 19 is furthermore preferably provided with an annular flange 20, which constitutes a shoulder against thewall 17, andengages with said notches. Said annular member 19 is furthermore provided with an opening 21 int-o which is set a portion '23 of the housing or casing of the electric starter,

and generator, said opening 21 being eccentric to the central axis of the annular member 19, so that the axis of said member and the axis of the shaft 15 of the starter and generator are parallel with each other. It will be noticed that inasmuch as the sprocket 14 is carried directly on the end of the starter shaft, there is no necessity for any bearings to support it other than those in the frame or housing of the starter which is provided with ball bearings for the gener ator shaft, and no possibility of the starter getting out of line, a condition which is usually taken care of by the introduction of a coupling or universal joint. Said bearings preferably constitute the only direct support for the said shaft. For the purpose of setting the annular member 19 after it has been turned a suitable distance for tightening up the sprocket chain and adjusting the starter and generator, an annular groove 24 is formed in the outer periphery of the adjusting member 19, into which groove is adapted to be set the end of a set screw 25 which turns in a suitable screw-threaded orifice 26 in the supporting part 17.

On an inclined side wall of the gear case 10 there is usually a hand-hole cover 27, and

this, may be'utilized for carrying a transverse rib or bracket 28 which atits ends is provided with transverse slots 29, 29. If the slotted member 28 is used, complementary parts are used in connection with the starter and generator. To this end arcshaped strap sections 30, 31 are used, the same being riveted or otherwise secured to an arc-shaped central section 32, as clearlv shown in Fig. 7. The said sections 30, 31, and 32 constitute a preferably flexible band or strap which is caused to encircle the casing of the starter and generator. At the opposite ends of the intermediate member 32 of said strap or band there are located lugs 33, and these lugs are provided with a pair of slots 34, 35, preferably alined with each other, but which are so arranged as that when the slots 34, 35 are placed in opposition to the slots 29, they will cross them or intersect them as shown. in Fig. 5. Through bolts 35 extend through the intersecting slots, for the purpose of securing the slotted parts together, and preferably a T- bolt 36 has its head 37 loosely mounted in an ear or eye 38 at the end of the strap' section 30, while the shank of through a slotted ear or projection 39 on the adjacent end of the strap section 31. By screwing a nut 40 onto the threaded end of the bolt 36 the strap or band will be tightened upon the casing of the starter and generator at the. desired intermediate point thereof and thereby the strap is made quickly releasable. The supporting parts shown in Figs. 5 to 8 constitute meansfor making the position of the starter and generator more secure, and usually supplement. the supporting means at the sprocket end of the shaft 15.

The supporting part 32 underlies the housing of the rotary shaft 15 and constitutes a seat against which said housin is bound by the described two-part flexlble strap. It will be seen that the-said seat tends to center the shaft and housing, for

said bolt may pass member may be rotated until the desired degree of tightness is obtained in the chain. It will be noted that the slotted connections at 29, 34 and 35 permit the starter and generator to partake of this adjustment.

After the adjustment has been obtained the through bolts 35 are again tightened up, the set screw 25 advanced, and the starter is then rigidly maintained in position.

Of course the present invention may also used in connection with other devices, such as water pumps, magnetos, 'etc.

Obviously the invention is susceptible of modification, as parts may be omitted, parts added and parts substituted without departing from the invention as expressed in the claims.

What we claim as new is 1. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of supporting means, a single adjustable member mounted rotatably on said means, a rotatable shaft mounted eccentrically on said member at one portion of its length, means for holding said member in a rotated adjusted position, an adjustable support opposite another portion of said shaft located between said shaft and said 7 supporting means, and releasable means associated with said adjustable support for holding said shaft in a predetermined position relatively to it, said adjustable support and said releasable holding means being adapted for adjusting the shaft in accordance with the adjustment obtained by said adjustable member.

2. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of supporting means, a single adjustable member mounted rotatably on said means, a rotatable shaft mounted eccentrically on said member at one portion of its length, means for holding said member in a rotated adjusted position, an adjustable support opposite another portion of said shaft located between said shaft and said supporting means, and flexible means associated with said adjustable support for holding said shaft in a predetermined position relatively to it, said adjustable support and said flexible means being adapted for adjusting the shaft in accordance with the adjustment obtained by said adjustable member.

3. In apparatus of the. class described. the combination of supporting means, a single adjustable member mounted rotatably on said supporting means, a rotatable shaft mounted eccentrically on said member at one portionof its length, means for holding said member in a rotated adjusted position, two adjustable supporting members having seat surfaces inclined outwardly away from a point intermediate thereof and located between said shaft and said supporting means, and means associated with said supporting members for centerwhich is mounted eccentrically on said 'mem'-- ber at one end, means forv holding said member in a rotated adjusted position, an adjustable support opposite another portion of said housing located between said housing and said supporting means, and releasable means associated with said adjustable support for holding said housing in a pre determined position relatively to it, said adjustable support and said releasable holding means being adapted for adjusting the housing in accordance with the adjustment obtained by said adjustable member.

5. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of supporting means, a single adjustable member mounted rotatably on said supporting means, a power device having a housing which is mounted eccentrically on said member at one end, means for holding said member in a rotated adjusted position, two adjustable supporting members having seat surfaces inclined outwardly away from a point intermediate thereof, and located between said housing and said supporting means, and means associated with said supporting members for centering said housing toward said 7 intermediate point, said adjustable supporting members and said centering means being adapted for adjusting the housing in accordance with the adjustment obtained by said adjustable member.

6. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of supporting means, a single adjustable member mounted rotatably on said supporting means, a power device, having a housing which is mounted eccentrically on sald member at one end, means for holding, said member in a rotated adjusted position, two adjustable sup-' porting members mounted on said supporting means and having seat surfaces inclined outwardly away from a point intermediate thereof, and located between said housing and said supporting means, and flexible means associated with said supporting members for centering said housing toward them and holding it in a predetermined position, relatively to the seat furnished bv said supporting members. said adjustable supporting members and said centering means being adapted for adjusting the shaft in accordance with the adjustment obtained bysaid adjustable member.

' 7. In apparatus of the class described,-

the combination of supporting means, an adjustable member mounted rotatably on said supporting means, a rotatable shaft mounted eccentrically on said member at one portion of .its length, and means for holding said member in a rotated adjusted position, said means comprising a set screw located on saidsupporting means, and its inner end locking said adjustable member in adjusted position.

8. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of supporting means, an adjustable member mounted rotatably on said supporting means, a rotatable shaft mounted eccentrically on said member at one portion of its length, and means for holding said member in adjusted position, said means comprising a set screw located on said supporting means, and its inner end locking said adjustable member in adjusted position, and means located opposite an-' other portion of the length of, said shaft for adjusting the shaft in accordance with the adjustment obtained by said adjustable member.

9. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of supporting means, an adjustable member mounted rotatably on said supporting means, a power device, havinga housing'which is mounted eccentrically on said member at one end, and meansfor holding said member in adjusted position, said means comprising a set screw located on said supporting means, and its inner end locking said adjustable member in adjusted position.

10. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of supporting means, an adjustable member mounted rotatably on said supporting means, a power device, having a housing which is mounted eccentrically on said member at one end, and means for holding said member in adjusted posi-' tion, said means comprising a set-screw lo-v cated on said supporting means, and its inner end locking said adjustable member in adjusted position, and means located opposite another portion of said housing for adjusting the housing in accordance with w the ad ustment obtained by said adjustable l vmember. said additional adjusting means comprising a' two-part binding strap, the

parts of which are detachably connected for located opposite ani position said holding said shaft against displacement outwardly from said supporting means.

12. In'apparatus of the class described, the combination of supporting means, a rotatableshaft, adjustable means mounted on said supporting means, supporting said shaft at one portion thereof, and adapted to shaft in all directions laterallyL-with respect to a central point, and additional adjustable means located opposite another portion of said shaft for adjusting the shaft in accordance with the adjustment obtained by said first adjustable means, said additional adjustable means comprising a binding strap for holding said shaft .against displacement outwardly from said supporting means.

13. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of supporting means, a power device having a housing, adjustable means mounted on said supporting means, supporting said housing at one end thereof, and adapted to position said housing in all directions laterally with respect to a central point, and additional adjustable means located opposite another portion of said housing for adjusting the housing in accordance with the adjustment obtained by said first adjustable means, said additional adjustable means comprising a binding strap for holding said housing against displacement outwardly from said supporting means.

14. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of supporting means having a circular opening, an adjustable member mounted for rotary adjustment in said opening and insertible in said opening from one side only of said member, so that it is removable from one side only of said 'opening, means for holding said member in said opening and for setting it in adjusted position, and a power device, having a housing mounted eccentrically on said member and extending away from opening.

15. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of supporting means having a circular opening, an adjustable member mounted for rotary adjustment in said opening, and having an annular flange so that said member is insertible in said opening from one side only of said member, so that it is removable from one side only of said opening, means for holding said member in said opening and for setting it in adjusted position, and a rotatable power shaft mounted eccentrically on said member and extending away from the other side of said opening.

16. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of stationary supporting means having a circular opening, an adjustable member mounted for rotary adjustment in said opening, and having an annular the other side of said mason flange so that it is insertible in said opening from one side only thereof so that it is removable from one side only of said opening,

a set. screw on said supporting means adapted to bear on the edge of said adjustable member for holding said member in said opening and for setting it in adjusted position, and a rotatable power shaft mounted eccentrically on said member and extending away from the other side of said opening.

17. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of stationary supporting means having a circular opening, an adjustable member mounted for rotary adjustment in said opening and having an annular flange so that it is insertible in said opening from one side only thereof, said member having a peripheral groove, a set screw on said supporting means and adapted to engage in said groove for setting said member in adjusted position, said flange and the remote side of said groove coacting with said screw to hold said member in said opening, and a rotatable power shaft mounted eccentrically on said member.

18. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of a case having a supporting surface on a lateral wall whereof and a support extending outwardly from said surface, an engine shaft in said case, a powerapplying starter for said shaft, and means for supporting and adjusting said starter on said outward support in different directions sidewise of said surface, and additional adjustable means between said surface and said starter for adjusting said starter upon said surface in substantial accordance with the adjustment obtained by the first said means.

19. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of a case having a supporting surface on a lateral wall thereof and a support extending outwardly from said surface, an engine shaft in said case, a powerapplying starter for said shaft having a housing provided with an extension neck, and means for supporting and adjusting the said housing at said neck upon said outward support in different directionssidewise of said surface, and additional adjustable means between said surface and said housing for adjusting said starter upon said surface in substantial accordance with the adjustment obtained by the first said means.

20. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of a crank case having an inclined lateral face. an engine shaft in said case, a power-applying starter for said shaft, and means for supporting and adjusting said starter on said inclined face.

21. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of a crank case having a inclined lateral face. an engine shaft in said case, a power-applying starter for said shaft, and means for supporting said starter on said inclined face and for adjusting it to and from said face.

22. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of a crank case having an inclined lateral face, an engine shaft mounted in said case, an electric starter and generator for said shaft, and means for supporting and adjusting said starter and generator on said inclined face.

23. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of a crank case having a supporting part projecting laterally from one face thereof, said face being inclined, an engine shaft in said case, a power-applying starter for said shaft, and means for supporting "and adjusting said starter on said inclined face and on said supporting art.

p 24:. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of a crank case having a supporting part projecting laterally from one face thereof,-said face being inclined, an engine shaft in said case, a power-applying starter for said shaft, means for supporting and adjusting said starter on said incline face and on said supporting part, an endless flexible connection between the said shaft and the shaft of said starter, said supporting and adjusting means serving to also tighten said flexible connection.

25. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of supporting means, .a shaft, an adjustable support for said shaft, located on saidsupporting means between it and said shaft, and flexible shaft encompassing means associated with said ad ustable support for hOIdIIIgSBJd shaft 1n a predetermined position relatively to sald ad justable support.

26. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of supporting means, a power device having a housing, an ad ustable support for said housing, located on said supporting means between it and said housing, and flexible housing encompassing means associated with said adjustable-support for holding said housing in a predetermined position relativelyto said ad ustable support.

27. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of supporting means, a shaft, an adjustable support for said shaft, located on said supporting means between it and said shaft, and a two-part shaft encom-.

passing strap associated with said adjustable support for holding said shaft in a pre-v determined position relatively to said ad-.

justable support.

28. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of supporting means, a power device having a housing, an ad ustable support for said housing, located on said supporting means between it and said housing, and a two-part housing encompassing strap associated with said adjustable support and in binding engagement with said housing for holding said housing in a predetermined position relatively to said adjustable support.

j 29. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of supporting means, a

shaft, two adjustable supporting members mounted'on said supporting means and having seat surfaces inclined outwardly away from a point intermediate thereof, and located between said shaft and said supporting means, and flexible means associated with said supporting members for centering said shaft toward them and holding it ina predetermined position relatively to the ls)eat furnished by said supporting memers.

30. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of supporting means, a

power device having a housing, two adjustable supporting members mounted l on said supporting means and having seat surfaces inclined outwardly away from a point intermediate thereof, and located between laterally.

32.-In apparatus. of the class described,

the combination of --a supporting part, a shiftable starter and generator and its housing, an adjusting member mounted rotatably on said supporting part, means for supporting the end of said housing on said adjusting member 'eccentrically' with respect to the axis of said member, an engine shaft, and a chain-and-sprocket connection between the said shaft and the shaft of said starter, whereby said starter and generator can be adjusted laterally and said chain tightened.

33. "In apparatus of the class described, the combination of a crankcase, an engine shaft therein, a starter and generator, an endless flexible connection between the shaft of the latter and said engine shaft, and means for tightening up said connection and for rigidly supporting and bodily adjusting said starter and generator upon said crank case.

, ing said 34. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of a crank case, an engine shaft therein, a starter and generator, an endless flexible connection between the shaft of the latter and said engine shaft, means for tightening up said connection and for rigidly supporting and bodily adjusting said starter and generatorupon said crank case, and means in addition to said tightening means for rigidly supporting and holdstarter and generator in adjusted position upon said crank case.

35. 'In apparatus of the class described, thecombination of a supporting part having an annular opening, a shiftable starter and generator and its housing, and an annular adjusting member mounted rotatably in said opening, and provided with an opening eccentric to its axis, in which opening the end of said housing is journaled, wherebysaid starter and generator may be adjusted bodily.

36. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of a supporting part having an annular opening, a shiftable starter and generator and its housing, and an annular adjusting member mounted rotatably in said opening, and provided with an opening eccentric to its axis, in which opening the end of said housing is journaled, said adjusting member having notches for engagement vby an operating tool, whereby said starter and generator may be adjusted bodily.

37. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of a starter and generator, means for supporting the same-intermediately of its ends, comprising a supporting part, a slotted member thereon, holding means for said starter and generator, having flexible releasing portions, and .pro- "ided with slots extending crosswise of the slots of said member, and bolts extending through the said crossing slots.

38. In apparatus of the classvdescribed, the combination of a starter and generator, means for supporting thesame intermediately of its ends, comprising a supporting part, a slotted member thereon, a strap or band for encircling said starter and gen erator, provided with slots extending crosswise of the slots of said member, and bolts extending through the said crossingslots.

39. In apparatus of the-c1ass described, the combination of a supporting part having "an annular opening, a shiftable starter and generator and its housing, and an annular adjusting member mounted rotatably in said opening, and provided with an opening eccentric to its axis, in which opening the end of said housing is journaled, an engine shaft, a chain-and-sprocket connection for said shaft and the shaft of said starter and generator, an additional supporting part at one side of said starter and generator, a slotted member mounted on said additional supporting part, a strap or band encircling said starter and generator and provided with slots extending cross wise of the slots of said slotted member,

" and bolts extending through the said crossing slots.

Signed at Detroit, day of December, 1914.

JOHN F. noncn. HORACE E. noncn.

Michigan, this 9th Witnesses:

Amnnn. H. KNIGHT, G. W. MASON. 

